Hedging plants can bring a lushness to any garden, but it’s important to understand how and when they should be trimmed to ensure they continue to look healthy season after season.When should I trim my hedge?
Both the type of hedge and the shape you want to achieve will inform the optimal times for trimming.
– Evergreen hedging plants
Holly hedges respond best to being trimmed once in late summer, whereas box hedges will benefit from being trimmed between two and three times during the growing season.
– Conifers
Conifers should ideally be trimmed twice a year. Lawson cypress conifers should be trimmed in the spring and summer months, whereas yew conifers should be trimmed once in mid-summer and then again in the autumn.
– Deciduous hedging plants
Hornbeam only needs a single trim, ideally in late summer, whereas hawthorn will benefit from a mid-summer trim and a further autumn season trim to keep it looking its best.
Do formal hedges require additional maintenance?
If you want your hedge to have a very precise, formal look then you will need to maintain a more consistent trimming routine to ensure it keeps its shape. Typically, the summer season is the best time of year to implement a regular routine.
However, if there are nesting birds around you will need to wait until the chicks have fledged before getting started. The RSPB recommends checking your hedgerows thoroughly for active nests before reaching for your cutting tools.
What tools do I need to maintain a hedge?
Electric hedge trimmers are very popular, and we recommend investing in a quality model to ensure precise cuts, ease of use, and longevity. Plus, with a reputable brand like Mountfield parts, spares and accessories are easily accessible from specialist retailers such as www.diyspareparts.com/parts/mountfield.
It is important to clean your tools after you have finished trimming to remove any debris and sap that could impact their performance the next time you need to use them. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, ensuring that your machine is turned off and positioned on a suitable worktop before getting started.